Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a melatonin agonist in the treatment of free running circadian rhythms in patients, including light perception impaired patients, e.g., blind patients, and to methods of measuring circadian rhythm.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating a patient for a circadian rhythm disorder wherein the patient is being treated with a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor selected from a group consisting of fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, and verapamil, the method comprising:
 discontinuing the treatment with the strong CYP1A2 inhibitor; and then 
 treating the patient with tasimelteion, 
 thereby avoiding the use of tasimelteon in combination with the strong CYP1A2 inhibitor. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CYP1A2 inhibitor is fluvoxamine. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , that comprises treating the patient for Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder wherein the patient is light perception impaired (LPI). 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the tasimelteon is administered at 0.5 to 1.5 hours before the target sleep time. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exposure to tasimelteon in a patient being treated with tasimelteon for a circadian rhythm disorder or for a sleep disorder is reduced by avoiding use of tasimelteon in combination with fluvoxamine.